MAP Grant Email 2
September 28, 2009
Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Update #2
Dear Student and Family:
Greetings. You may already be aware of the recent debate regarding the State of Illinois budget and the current state budget plan to reduce MAP funding. The fiscal year 2010 (FY2010) budget that was agreed upon by the governor and state legislators significantly reduces the amount of funds available for 2009-10 MAP awards. As a result, eligible students will receive one-half of the annual award that was announced at start-up.
I am writing to you today to encourage you to participate in our overall efforts at IIT and:
Be part of the solution!
Show Your Support for the Monetary Award Program (MAP)
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Attend a rally in Chicago.
The Governor's Town Hall Meeting to Save College Scholarships
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
2 pm at UIC Student Center West
828 S. Wolcott • Chicago, ILPlease contact Ms. Jeanne Arens at jarens@iit.edu (AVP — Institutional Relations) to attend this event.
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Join an online community in support of the MAP.
- "Save the MAP" Student Coalition (currently 2,500+ members)
- Save Illinois MAP Grants.org (currently 6,500+ members)
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Contact your legislator.
- Search for your legislator and send an email by going here.
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Encourage your family and friends to support the MAP Grant.
- Send them an "Empty Seats" flyer (PDF).
IIT Remains Committed to You
On behalf of President Anderson and Provost Cramb, we want to assure you that Illinois Institute of Technology remains committed to making your education at IIT accessible and affordable. As a university, we are working with our representatives within the state of Illinois to advocate on behalf of IIT students — and students throughout the state — to ensure that extraordinary young men and women are provided access to the education that IIT has offered to students for nearly 125 years. We are working hard for you.
Sincerely,
Gerald P. Doyle
Vice Provost
Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid
P.S. Use the links found below to find your local legislators. Contact them directly to let them know how you feel about the reduction in MAP funding.
Additional Resources and Links:
About MAP
The Monetary Award Program (MAP) is the state's largest need-based aid program. About half of its recipients come from families with no resources to pay for college. Each year more than 150,000 Illinois students are able to attend private and public colleges and universities due to the state's provision of $380 million in MAP grants. Reducing these funds will force many students out of school, and many others will be scrambling to obtain high cost private loans in a very difficult credit market.
2009-10 MAP Awards
Important Message from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to Students Regarding 2009-10 MAP Grant Funding (PDF): http://collegezone.com/media/V2_FY2010_MAP_Budget_Alert_Part_2.pdf
Find your legislator: http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx?NavLink=1
Illinois Student Assistance Commission: http://www.collegezone.com/index.htm
Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges & Universities — Quick Email to Legislators Form: http://capwiz.com/naicu/il/issues/alert/?alertid=13574196&PROCESS=Take+Action